MINT HILL, NC – Queen’s Grant Senior Nasya Allen has been awarded Academic Honors from the College Board’s National Recognition Program.

The College Board’s National Recognition Program aims to create pathways to college for students from underserved communities.  To be considered, students must earn a qualifying PSAT/NMSQT score early in their junior year, earn a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher by the middle of their junior year, and identify as African American, Hispanic, Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town.

Allen excelled in both College Board assessments and schoolwork in order to achieve this recognition.  “To accomplish this I spent many hours taking practice tests, studying, and writing and revising essays so I would be fully equipped to take each test,” says Allen.  “I believe this will help me greatly when applying to colleges because it shows that I am dedicated to academic excellence throughout all my years of high school and not just junior or senior year.”

Outside the classroom, Allen plays both school and travel basketball and is involved with many different clubs, including two she co-founded this year that focus on inclusion and outreach: the Women’s Empowerment Coalition and the Black Student Solidarity Club.  She also owns her own business, “Rosie’s Heavenly Candles,” which uses ethically sourced materials such as soy wax and essential oils to create unique scents.

This fall, Allen is also busy applying to colleges where she hopes to study Political Science or Government.  “I am not exactly sure what I want to do as a career, but I have always had a passion for politics and outreach,” says Allen, “so whatever career path I head down I am sure it will involve both of those.”